Question:

Assertion (A) : If A and B are two square matrices such that AB and BA are defined, then it is not necessary that AB = BA.
Reason (R) : Product of two diagonal matrices of same order is commutative.

Show Hint

Matrix multiplication is commutative only in special cases: powers of the same matrix, a matrix and its inverse, or diagonal matrices of the same order.
For A and R questions, always check if R is a specific example or a general underlying cause.
Updated On: Sep 10, 2026
  • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
Matrix multiplication is generally non-commutative, which means: \[ AB\neq BA \] for arbitrary square matrices \(A\) and \(B\).
However, some special matrices, such as diagonal matrices of the same order, commute under multiplication. 
Step 1: Check Assertion (A)
Consider: \[ A= \begin{bmatrix} 0 & 1 \\ 0 & 0 \end{bmatrix}, \qquad B= \begin{bmatrix} 0 & 0 \\ 1 & 0 \end{bmatrix} \] Then: \[ AB= \begin{bmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 \end{bmatrix} \] while: \[ BA= \begin{bmatrix} 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 \end{bmatrix} \] Therefore: \[ AB\neq BA \] Hence, Assertion (A) is true
Step 2: Check Reason (R)
Let \(D_1\) and \(D_2\) be two diagonal matrices: \[ D_1= \begin{bmatrix} a & 0 \\ 0 & b \end{bmatrix}, \qquad D_2= \begin{bmatrix} c & 0 \\ 0 & d \end{bmatrix} \] Then: \[ D_1D_2= \begin{bmatrix} ac & 0 \\ 0 & bd \end{bmatrix} \] and: \[ D_2D_1= \begin{bmatrix} ca & 0 \\ 0 & db \end{bmatrix} \] Since \(ac=ca\) and \(bd=db\): \[ D_1D_2=D_2D_1 \] Hence, Reason (R) is true
Step 3: Check whether R explains A
Reason (R) describes a special case in which matrix multiplication is commutative.
It does not explain why matrix multiplication is generally non-commutative. 
Final Answer:
\[ \boxed{\text{Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.}} \]

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